City of Marion, IA

06/14/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/14/2025 06:11

IN FOCUS: 6.13.25 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

Marion Representatives Travel to Washington, D.C., to Garner Support for Tower Terrace Road Project
This week, Marion representatives made their way to Washington, D.C., to lobby for federal grant funding on behalf of the cities of Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, Robins and Marion. Mayor Nick AbouAssaly was joined by Marion's Deputy City Manager Kim Downs and Public Works Director Mike Barkalow along with representatives of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and other cities throughout the region. The Marion delegation was seeking support for the remaining segments of Tower Terrace Road to be built between Interstate 380 and Highway 13. Their goal was to rally support for the region's 2025 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant request as well as the 2024 Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant (MPDG) application. The total remaining project cost is $56 million. When completed, Tower Terrace Road will span 8.3 miles through Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, Robins, unincorporated Linn County and Marion, providing a safe, reliable and contiguous route from Interstate 380 to Highway 13. Thanks to each of you for representing Marion so well!

Human Resources Generalist Sue Wilbur Graduates from Leadership Iowa
Please join in congratulating Human Resources Generalist Sue Wilbur on her graduation from the 2024-25 Leadership Iowa program. Forty leaders from across the state were selected to participate in the Leadership Iowa program, an issues-awareness program offered through the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) Foundation. A formal graduation ceremony took place earlier this week during the 2025 ABI Taking Care of Business Conference in Council Bluffs. Each session, from October through June, provided a first-hand look at essential topics related to Iowa and our communities. Sessions included discussions with subject-matter experts, interactive experiences, industry tours and more. Congratulations, Sue!

I also had the honor to serve as co-chair of the 2024-25 class. Through that opportunity, I was fortunate to expand my professional network, learn from colleagues throughout the state and represent the City of Marion in this way. I highly recommend the Leadership Iowa experience to anyone who may be interested. Learn more at https://www.iowaabi.org/leadership-iowa.

Marion Pool Heater Update
The Marion Pool at Willowood Park has been a bit chilly lately. The pool heater is currently down. Due to the system's age, a customized pump had to be ordered. The new pump is scheduled to be installed next week. Earlier this week, a mechanic was on site to apply a temporary fix to warm things up a bit. The pool remains open and safe, and thanks to the recent warm weather, the water temperature is holding steady at 74°. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through the repairs.

7th Avenue to Close for Uptown Marion Market
The Uptown Marion Market returns this Saturday, June 14, from 8 a.m. to noon. Residents and visitors are reminded to be aware of localized road closures that will be in place to accommodate the event. Seventh Avenue between 10th and 12th Streets will close at 6 a.m. on Saturday, June 14 for vendor move-in and will remain closed until 1 p.m. on Saturday. Detours will be posted. Parking is available on-street surrounding the event, in the City lot at the corner of 8th Avenue and 12th Street and in the City Hall lot at 1225 6th Avenue.

2025 Pavement Patching Project to Begin June 16
The City's Pavement Patching Program is designed to extend the life of existing roadways that are showing signs of deterioration. Four projects are included in this year's program - 1. 35th Street from Monarch Avenue to 29th Avenue, 2. 29th Avenue from 35th Street to Highland Drive, 3. Boyson Road from the west City limits to Central Avenue and 4. 6th Avenue from 8th Street to 15th Street. By replacing failed panels and reinforcing cracks, the pavement can be salvaged rather than allowing it to continue to deteriorate. Phase 1 of the 35th Street and 29th Avenue projects will begin on June 16. These segments will take approximately three to four weeks to complete, weather permitting, and will reduce to one lane of traffic in each direction.

1st Avenue Reconstruction Project to Begin June 16
On Monday, June 16, crews from Rathje Construction will begin Stage 1 and 1A of the 1st Avenue Reconstruction Project. This work involves the reconstruction of 1st Avenue from 15th Street to 21st Street, including the intersection of 1st Avenue and 15th Street. During this time, 1st Avenue will be closed to thru traffic and work is expected to take approximately four months, weather permitting.

Work to Begin on Sanitary Trunk Sewer Projects 4 & 5
On Monday, June 16, crews from Boomerang Corp will begin Stage 1A of the Sanitary Trunk Sewer Projects 4 & 5. Thirteenth Avenue from 4th to 5th Streets will be closed to traffic. In addition, the Indian Creek Trail will be closed from Boyson Road to Lininger Park. Details will be posted for both closures. Work is expected to last three weeks, weather permitting.

Boyson Trail Closure
Today, Boomerang Corp closed the Boyson Trail, from the Boyson Trailhead to just north of the Indian Creek Trail connection, in association with the Indian Creek Trunk Sewer Segment 11 project. Intermittent, short-term closures of the trail are necessary to move equipment and materials for the project. The trail will reopen as soon as the work zone is clear and safe. Trail users are reminded to obey the posted signage and stay out of the work zone. Future notices will be sent as this project progresses.

Ascension Park Update
If you've been by Ascension Park on S. 22nd Street lately, you'll notice work on the playground replacement project is underway. Unfortunately, the play structure was shipped in the incorrect color due to a manufacturing error. The Parks and Recreation Department has been working closely with the supplier to resolve the issue, and a corrected replacement unit is currently in production. The new play structure is expected to arrive in early July. Once it is delivered, installation will be scheduled shortly thereafter by our contracted team. In the meantime, site preparation work is continuing so we are ready to move forward as soon as the correct equipment is on-site. We appreciate the community's patience and understanding as we work to ensure the final product meets expectations and provides a safe, fun space for everyone to enjoy.

Vacancies on Linn County Crime Stoppers Board
Linn County Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization that allows residents to report crime, maintain anonymity, and if their information leads to an arrest, could lead to a financial reward. They are focused on facilitating engagement between community members and local law enforcement agencies. The board of directors is comprised of residents from Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, Marion, Mt. Vernon/Lisbon, Robins and Linn County. The City was notified of three vacancies on the board that are reserved for Marion residents. If you have an interest in serving, please complete an application and return to the address listed on the form.

Walk Your Wheels in Uptown
Marion's shared-use paths are intended for use by people, pets and bicyclists. The Walk Your Wheels program aims to avoid bike and pedestrian conflict points and help keep the Uptown District a safe and walkable district. Walk Your Wheels zones are located on 6th, 7th and 8th Avenues from 10th to 13th Streets. Riders have the option to move to the street or walk their wheels in the established zones. Thank you for doing your part to keep Uptown Marion a safe place for all ages and abilities.

Legislative Changes to Fireworks Use in Marion
Recently, the state legislature approved a bill that prohibits local governments from restricting consumer fireworks use on July 3, July 4 and Dec. 31. For the upcoming holiday season, the use of consumer fireworks will be allowed on July 3 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and July 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fireworks may be purchased and used only by persons 18 years of age or older, and used only with the property owner's permission. Fireworks may NOT be used in public parks. Any other dates and times are authorized by permit only. Using fireworks outside of the designated dates and times is considered a nuisance in Marion's code. Property owners allowing fireworks to be discharged on their property outside of the established dates/times may be subject to citation for a municipal infraction. The fees for a municipal infraction are $750 for the first infraction and $1,000 for each subsequent infraction. Residents can report fireworks usage outside of the permissible dates by calling the Marion Police Department's non-emergency line at 319-377-1511.

Volunteers Needed for Indian Creek Clean-Up Day The City of Marion is partnering with Creekside Pride to remove trash from Indian Creek and educate the community on the importance of healthy watersheds. The clean-up day will take place at Thomas Park, located at 343 Marion Blvd., on Saturday, June 28, from 9 a.m.-noon. Volunteers will remove debris by boat and by foot along the paths of Indian Creek. Participants are encouraged to wear clothing that can get dirty and will protect them from moderate hazards. Garbage bags and gloves will be provided. A lunch, sponsored by Cargill, will also be offered. Help maintain Indian Creek's beauty by signing up to volunteer at https://signup.com/go/YBJQFtG.

Word on the Street

  • What is the status of the water feature and sun shades in the Central Plaza at City Square Park?
    The equipment for the water feature has been installed and is operational. We are currently awaiting a final inspection from the State of Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing. This is scheduled for Monday, June 16. Staff anticipates the splash pad will be operational shortly thereafter. The sun shades are scheduled to arrive on Tuesday, June 17, with installation to follow.
  • Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
    Between June 15-19, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 3200 block of 29th Avenue, westbound.

Upcoming Events

Here's a look at what's happening in Marion:

  • Friday, June 13 - Pop-Up Acts in the Artway featuring S, P & B - 6-8 p.m. - Uptown Artway
  • Saturday, June 14 - Sunrise Yoga - 7:30 a.m. - Lowe Park
  • Saturday, June 14 - Marion Farmers Market & City Council Office Hours - 8-11 a.m. - Willowood Park
  • Saturday, June 14 - Uptown Marion Market & City Council Office Hours - 8 a.m.-noon - 7th Avenue/Central Plaza at City Square Park
  • Saturday, June 14 - Music Under the Moon featuring The Hype, North America's Ultimate Arena Rock Experience - 7:30 p.m. - Lowe Park
  • Tuesday, June 17 - Zumba: Fit Fun at the Park - 6-7 p.m. - Klopfenstein Amphitheater at Lowe Park
  • Thursday, June 19 - Marion by Moonlight hosted by Farmers State Bank featuring 8 Seconds - 6-9 p.m. - Central Plaza at City Square Park
  • Friday, June 20 - Moonlit Movie Series featuring Inside Out 2 - 7 p.m. - Lowe Park
  • Friday, June 20 - Pop-Up Acts in the Artway featuring Casey Klein - 6-8 p.m. - Uptown Artway

Future Council Items

Here's an overview of several items that will be coming before the City Council in the weeks ahead.

On the Docket

The following are a few of the major activities on my calendar for the coming week:

  • Internal meetings
  • Rotary golf outing
  • MEDCO Board meeting
  • Meeting with Kim Pang and Anne Parmley
  • Meeting with Rene Gadelha
  • City Council Work Session
  • Scheduled time out of the office

Sign up to receive this weekly newsletter and other updates from the City of Marion directly in your inbox by visiting https://www.cityofmarion.org/enotify.

City of Marion, IA published this content on June 14, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 14, 2025 at 12:11 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at support@pubt.io